"Yeah, we're playing good right now," CU head coach Tad Boyle said. "I think our guys are confident and much more at ease than they have been in quite some time, certainly since Spencer (Dinwiddie) and (Tre'Shaun Fletcher) went down with their injuries (on Jan. 12).

"You take something from that, but that's not going to help us win at Pauley on Thursday night. We're going to have to perform and play well."

The Buffs have performed well lately, as they swept Utah, Washington State and Washington the past two weekends.

CU out-rebounded all three opponents, by an average of 12.0 boards per game. They also did a solid job of limiting the opponents offensively. On offense, CU saw several different players bust through a bit, including Xavier Talton, Wesley Gordon, Jaron Hopkins and Dustin Thomas.

Now, the Buffs hope to continue their strong play at UCLA.

"I think we have a lot of momentum behind us right now," Thomas said. "We're building together as a team. I think our chemistry is coming along."

Gordon had a combined 20 points and 16 rebounds in the first two games of the home stand, but twisted his ankle Sunday morning and missed that night's game against Washington.

Boyle said on Tuesday that Gordon "should hopefully be ready to go Thursday night."

Gordon's defense on UCLA star Kyle Anderson was a key to CU staying close to the Bruins in a 69-56 loss in Boulder on Jan. 16.

If Gordon can't play, the Buffs are will likely turn to Thomas or Xavier Johnson to guard Anderson because they have the size to do so.

Fletcher nearing return

While Dinwiddie is out for the season, Fletcher could return to action soon. Fletcher tore the MCL and meniscus in his left knee on Jan. 12 and got back on the court Monday.

"He's been running and he's been doing exercise and rehab with the knee, but (Monday) was the first time he actually got on the court," Boyle said.

Fletcher's return was just an individual workout, but it was a step forward.

"A lot of (when he returns) is going to depend on how his knee responds to the workouts and the swelling and that sort of thing," Boyle said. "Hopefully in the next couple of weeks (he'll be able to play)."

Cutting down turnovers

Without Dinwiddie and Fletcher, Askia Booker has been more of a facilitator. Almost all of his numbers have gone up, including scoring, rebounding and assists. As he is quick to point out, his turnover numbers have increased, too.

Booker averaged 1.9 turnovers through Jan. 12, and 3.6 since. Boyle said he'd like to see that number come down, but realizes the miscues have come from Booker trying to make things happen.

"I guess they're good turnovers, if you want to look at it that way, but he's trying to make plays," Boyle said.

As a team, the Buffs have averaged 14.6 turnovers without Dinwiddie - up from 12.8 with him - but had just 12 and 11 in the last two games.